Izziyana Suhaimi is a Singapore artist with a Bachelor of Fine of Arts degree in Photography. While attending school the passion for embroidery seeded with a school assignment to take an 'image' and interpret it in different ways. "I thought embroidery would lend a nice texture and focus onto certain parts of the image. I really enjoyed the process of using embroidery and began to incorporate it more and more into my other projects." For the project Izziyana found medical illustrations and added embroidery to them. "I thought it lent a more poetic slant towards the image". This was about seven years ago now.

When Izziyana started to embroider she did follow some patterns but she also made many up on her own. Starting with text. She learned and still learns to embroider by watching video tutorials online. For inspiration Izziyana looks to the book Hand Stitch Perspectivesby Alice Kettle and Jane McKeating, a compilation of hand stitched textiles, artist biographies and the impact of stitching.

You'll be as surprised as I am to know that Izziyana has only started to draw illustrations for the past few years. She still enjoys taking photographs but more for personal keepsakes. When I first started interviewing her I had asked if she had 'dabbled in any other arts and crafts'. She stated she had tried knitting but could never finish anything and really wanted to try weaving. I am happy to say that since then she has taken up weaving. Her first weaving exhibit was called Small Studies of an Everyday Practice.

I'm excited to see where she takes her art next!

You can see that full collections of herembroidery art at her website or some behind the scenes and her adventure in weaving on Instagram

The Gingham Ginger, aka Nena, has been a life long crafter. She learned how to crochet so young she doesn't even remember how old she was. Recently she has gotten into embroidery hardcore. HARDCORE! The Gingham Ginger is an entrepreneur extraordinaire and community enthusiast. Always ready for an adventure to spread positivity near and far.

About us

Handmaker’s Factory, run by Nichola Prested, is a studio space in West Footscray, Melbourne empowering people to confidently create in a sustainable way, share their knowledge and learn new skills through our creative workshops.